I’m a lot more confident now that Alfa Romeo will reconstitute a product offering that is acceptable globally, and more in particular in the United States and Canada.

North America’s re-introduction to Alfa Romeo could happen in the next 24 months, with a plan that would use a Fiat/Chrysler architecture to underpin a new front-wheel-drive sedan and station wagon. That car would replace the European Alfa Romeo 159.

Those two new models would be built in the United States starting in mid-2012.

Also, a rear-drive Alfa based on the Chrysler 300C platform could replace the 166. That car could debut in 2013 and may be built in Brampton, Ontario, along with the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger.

As exciting as the prospect of Alfa’s return is, I have to wonder if relying on Chrysler architecture will be enough to pull Alfa out of its slump. Consider this: in 2000, Alfa Romeo sold 203,000 cars. In 2009, that number dropped by about half to 102,000. Fiat has to do something about that, but I remain doubtful that one falling brand can resurrect another.

Can Alfa Romeo succeed in North America using Chrysler architecture? Make all Alfas as sexy as the 8C Competizione, and maybe!